Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-02-12

measures of benevolence, in behalf OF
worthy beneiciaries and should admit of no
uncertainty as to their general objects and
consequences. Upon careful consideration
of the language of the section of the bill
above given, 1t seems to me to be so un-
certain, and liable TO such conflicting con-
structions, and TO be subject to such unjust
and mischievous application, as to alone
furnish sufficient ground for disappearing
the proposed legislation. Persons seeking
to obtain the pension provided by this Sec
ton must be now, or hereafter,
first, I" be suffering from mental or
physical disability - second, such dsa-
bility must not be the result of their Own
vicious habits or gross carelessness :" third
"such as incapacitates them from labor in
such degree as to render them unable TO
earn support y fourth, they must be de-
pendent upon their daily labor tor sup
port" fifth, upon proof of the condi-
tions they should be placed on the lists of
invalid pensioners OF the United States
and be unable to procure their substance
daily labor"
1t is not probable that the words last
quoted, "Such total inability to procure
their subsistence by daily labor at all
qualities the conditions prescribed in the
preceding language of the section. The
" total inability " spoken of must be such
an inability; that is, inability already de-
scribed and constituted by the conditions
already detailed in previous parts of the
sections. 1t thus becomes important to
consider the meaning and scope of these
lest mentioned conditions. The mental
and physical disability spoken of has a
distinct bearing in the practice of the Pen
sion Bureau, and includes every impair
r,,na Of ho1 Al -. IL.
vigor. For such disabilities there are now
paid one hundred and thirty-one differ
enr rates of pension, ranging from
81 to $100 per month. This disabil-
ity must not be the result of the appli-
cant's vicious habits or gross carelessness. :"
Practically, this provision is not important
The attempt of the Government 10 escape
the payment of pension on such plea
would, OF course, in very large majority
of instances, and regardless of the merits
OF the case, prove failure. There would
be that strange. but nearly universal will
ingness to help an individual, as between
him and the public treasury, which
goes very far to insure the state of proof in
favor of the claimant. The disability of
applicants must be such as to incapaci-
tate them from the performance of labor in
such degree as to render them unable to
earn a support"
The President concludes as follows do
not think that the objects, conditions, and
limitations thus suggested are contained in
the bill under consideration. | adhere to
the sentiments thus heretofore expressed.
But the evils threatened by this bill is in
my opinion such, that charged with great
responsibility in behalf of the people, I
cannot do otherwise than to bring to the
consideration of this measure my best eff
forts of thought and judgment, and per-
form my constitutional duty in relation
thereto, regardless of all consequences, ex-
cept such as appear to me to be related to
the best and highest interests of the country.
GROVER CLEVELAND.